Leadership transition at Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls has announced that Joakim Weidemanis will take over as Chief Executive Officer on 12 March 2025 following the company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.

Weidemanis will succeed George R. Oliver, who will remain as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board until 31 July 2025.

At that point, Mark P. Vergnano, a member of the Johnson Controls Board since 2016, will assume the position of Chairman.

Oliver will continue as an advisor to the company until 31 December 2025 to support the leadership transition.

According to Johnson Controls, Weidemanis brings extensive experience in leading global technology-driven businesses, having spent 13 years at Danaher Corporation in executive roles.

Board perspectives on the leadership change

Jürgen Tinggren, lead independent director of the Johnson Controls Board, stated that the selection of Weidemanis aligns with the company’s long-term strategy: “The Board identified Joakim as uniquely suited to lead Johnson Controls during its next chapter of growth as a pure-play provider of comprehensive solutions for commercial buildings.”

Tinggren added that Oliver’s leadership positioned the company for future opportunities: “As we have made substantial progress in our transformation, George has set the stage for Johnson Controls to capitalise on the opportunities ahead.”

Oliver, who has led the company for eight years, expressed confidence in the transition, stating that Johnson Controls has become “a simpler, more profitable and faster-growing company” under his tenure.

Weidemanis’ experience and outlook

Weidemanis most recently served as Executive Vice President, Diagnostics and China at Danaher Corporation.

He was responsible for an approximately $15 billion group comprising eight global technology businesses.

Over his 30-year career, Weidemanis has also held leadership positions at Mettler Toledo and ABB, gaining experience in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

On his new role, Weidemanis said: “I am energized by its mission-driven culture and strong 140-year legacy of developing market-leading technology and solutions that enable customers to manage their facilities in a smarter, more sustainable and more productive way.”

Financial outlook and Board leadership changes

In a separate announcement, Johnson Controls reported fiscal first quarter 2025 earnings results and issued financial guidance for the second quarter and full year.

Additionally, the company confirmed that Mark P. Vergnano will become Chairman of the Board after Oliver steps down from the role in July 2025.

Vergnano has held leadership positions at Chemours and DuPont and serves as a director at Waters Corporation.

Johnson Controls appoints Joakim Weidemanis as CEO: Summary

Johnson Controls has appointed Joakim Weidemanis as CEO, effective 12 March 2025, following the company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.

He will succeed George R. Oliver, who will remain Non-Executive Chairman until 31 July 2025, before being succeeded by Mark P. Vergnano.

Weidemanis has extensive experience in global technology businesses, having served as Executive Vice President at Danaher Corporation.

He has also held leadership positions at Mettler Toledo and ABB.

Jürgen Tinggren, lead independent director of the Johnson Controls Board, stated that Weidemanis is well-suited to lead the company’s next phase of growth.

Oliver will continue as an advisor until 31 December 2025.

Johnson Controls also announced fiscal first quarter 2025 earnings results and issued updated financial guidance.

The company confirmed that Vergnano will assume the role of Chairman later in the year.